BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US.
Reading edition
I love Thee, O my God! but not For what I hope thereby, Nor yet because who love Thee not Must die eternally. I love Thee, O my God! and still I ever will love Thee, Solely because, my God, Thou art Who first has lovèd me! For me, to lowest depths of woe Thou didst Thyself abase; For me didst bear the cross, the shame, And manifold disgrace; For me didst suffer pains unknown, Blood-sweat and agony. Yea, death itself—all, all for me! For me, Thine enemy! Then shall I not, O Saviour, mine! Shall I not love Thee well? Not with the hope of winning heaven, Nor of escaping hell; Not with the hope of earning aught, Nor seeking a reward; But freely, fully, as Thyself Hast lovèd me, O Lord! —Francis Xavier.